In the 2021-2022 school year, SKACD began operations of our special day school. This is not a residential setting.

While preparing to open our first building, the design committee agreed to focus on social and emotional health. We took possession of an elementary school building in Wilroads Gardens (formerly operated by Dodge City Public Schools) and created the RISE Wilroads Gardens campus.

RISE is an acronym for Respect, Inspire, Support, and Empower. We create opportunities for students to RISE at Wilroads Gardens.

Academic growth is not the primary objective of this campus. We focus on providing mental health treatment and behavioral change strategies to students at this location. Academic progress will be made only after ensuring social and emotional supports are available to our students. The RISE campus has a suite of mental health professionals (school counselors, school psychologists, social workers and clinical mental health providers) available to support our student body.

For more information about the RISE Wilroads Gardens alternative day school, please contact:

• Mr. Matt Legg, Education Programs Coordinator

Or, check out RISE’s Monthly newsletter here! (starting August, 2024)

Additionally, RISE Wilroads Gardens was recently awarded two grants from the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas. The first grant in the amount of $6,300 will be used to continue Horse Therapy groups at RISE Wilroads Garden. Alongside Urban Riding Academy students will work with horses. The program focuses on introducing a safe environment for all students and animals at all times. The students learn to properly care, lead, and ride while being supervised. The program helps students express self control and to be accountable for their actions. The program runs in two 9 week periods, with the next starting in March 2025. The second grant in the amount of $1,250 will be used to upgrade the sensory room at RISE Wilroads Garden. The Sensory room will allow students the opportunity to have their sensory needs met. 

Building Information:
RISE Wilroads Gardens
11558 E Main Rd
Dodge City, KS 67801
620-471-2101 (Phone)
620-227-1728 (Fax)